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Law
Dual Degree
Degrees
BA or BS +Juris Doctor (JD)
Departments
At a Glance
Study law and acquire the skills to champion justice, drive societal change, and safeguard individual rights. At TCNJ, you have two options for pursuing a law degree: You can choose any major and join TCNJ’s prelaw program, which offers a dedicated prelaw advisor to provide personalized guidance and a range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring you’ll be well-equipped to practice law. You can also choose an accelerated/dual-degree program with Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law by selecting a participating major at TCNJ.
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program Options
Get a jumpstart on your future: Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion.
TCNJ’s affiliation agreement with Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law will put you on the fast track to a successful legal career. This highly selective program allows third-year juniors to select an accelerated 3+3 pathway and spend three years at TCNJ, followed by three years at Villanova. Graduating seniors can select a 4+3 pathway to gain direct entry to law school.
African American Studies + Law, BA/JD
Anthropology + Law, BA/JD
Criminology + Law, BA/JD
Economics + Law, BA/JD
English + Law, BA/JD
History + Law, BA/JD
International Studies + Law, BA/JD
Interdisciplinary Business + Law, BSBA/JD
Philosophy + Law, BA/JD
Political Science + Law, BA/JD
Psychology + Law, BA/JD
Sociology + Law, BA/JD
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies + Law, BA/JD
About Villanova Law
The Charles Widger School of Law is part of Villanova University and is often referred to as “Villanova Law.” Established in 1953 and located in a Philadelphia suburb just 12 miles outside of the city, Villanova Law is approved by the American Bar Association and is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
Eligibility Requirements
- Complete at least three years and a minimum of 24 course units (equivalent to 96 credits) at TCNJ.
- Earn a minimum GPA at TCNJ at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate to Villanova Law. (50th percentile GPA in 2023: 3.80)
- Earn a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA (as calculated by the Law School Admission Council) at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate to Villanova Law.
- TCNJ juniors: Take the Law School Admission Test no later than January of your junior year and earn a minimum score at or above the 75th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at Villanova Law for third-year students. (75th percentile LSAT in 2023: 165)
- TCNJ seniors: Take the LSAT and score at or above the median of the most recent class to matriculate at Villanova Law for fourth-year students.
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing at TCNJ throughout matriculation.
Application Requirements
- Apply by February 1 of your junior/senior year at TCNJ.
- Obtain a strong recommendation from a TCNJ prelaw advisor.
- Take the Law School Admission Test. (See score requirements above.)
- Interview successfully with Villanova Law before receiving a final admission decision.
The application fee will be waived for students meeting all of the above requirements.
Scholarships
- Eligible TCNJ juniors will receive a full-tuition scholarship from Villanova Law for law school (for the dual enrollment year, students pay TCNJ tuition).
- Eligible TCNJ seniors will receive a half-tuition scholarship from Villanova Law for law school.
- Scholarships automatically renew for students who stay in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Prelaw Advisory Committee
Every year, TCNJ graduates attend top regional and national law schools. One of their secrets to success? A valuable resource that will also be available to you: TCNJ’s Prelaw Advisory Committee, a team of experts who will help you chart your path and become a top law school candidate. Any TCNJ student can take advantage of the committee’s expertise and request a dedicated prelaw advisor to provide personalized guidance.
